Greer's OC | The latest in Orange County fashion, dining, and trends.

Gema Brings Elevated Mexican Gastronomy to Orange County

By Greer Wylder

August 24, 2022

Adding to the vibrant culinary scene in downtown San Clemente, Gema presents authentic Mexican gastronomy that elevates traditional flavors and indigenous ingredients to create innovative dishes.Executive Chef Juan Pablo Cruz has created a menu that focuses on the integrity of every ingredient, with approximately 40% of his items brought in from Mexico. The other ingredients in his scratch kitchen can also be found in Mexico, but are sourced from local farmers', markets, and partners who share a passion for high-quality produce, naturally and humanely raised meats and sustainable seafood. The result is a seasonal menu that pays homage to the rich culinary history…

Tequila Bar Debuts at Balboa Bay Resort’s A+O Restaurant | Bar

By Greer Wylder

August 22, 2022

A+O Restaurant | Bar at the Balboa Bay Resort’s just debuted a brand-new Tequila Bar on the patio and surrounded by the yachts of Balboa Bay Club, the Tequila Bar will offer tequila and mezcals that are rare, hard to find, and distinctive in design and flavor. Along with a variety of tequilas, restaurant patrons can enjoy unique house-made bar snacks at the Tequila Bar. Favorites include shaved dark chocolate with tandoori masala and caramelized popcorn with peanuts and bacon, all of which pair well with Anejo and Cristalino tequilas, as well as mezcals. Additional bar bites include dehydrated pineapple, which brings…

Laguna Beach’s Historic La Casa del Camino’s Comedor Rebrands for Summer

By Greer Wylder

August 19, 2022

Laguna Beach’s historic La Casa del Camino hotel has recently undergone a seasonal rebrand of its Comedor restaurant for the summer. The reimagined restaurant, in partnership with the popular lifestyle and clothing company, Dandy Del Mar, has undergone a complete transformation from the menu to the decor, aimed at providing guests with an upscale space designed to foster conversation with family and friends over coastal cuisine in the refined lounge. The restaurant’s redesign comes in collaboration with resort-wear brand Dandy Del Mar. The refined apparel brand creates clothing that redefines luxury, leisure, and style. In collaboration with Dandy Del Mar’s Summer of Leisure…

Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks Throwback Price on Hawaiian Burger on August 25

By Greer Wylder

August 19, 2022

Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks has been celebrating its 40th anniversary all summer. In celebration of their anniversary, they have been bringing back throwback menu items and prices, and on August 25th the fan-favorite Hawaiian Burger will be $4.40 at all Islands locations. The juicy, flavor-packed Hawaiian Burger is topped with fresh pineapple, teriyaki sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, swiss, and mayo. The 40th celebration rolls through the summer with throwback uniforms, giveaways, a NEW exclusive beer - ‘Islands Sunny Blonde Ale’, and the Watermelon Marg is back on the menu for a limited time. Island Fine Burgers & Drinks has locations throughout Orange County:105 South…

Lucky Dog Gelato Celebrates One-Year Anniversary

By Greer Wylder

August 15, 2022

Internationally Ranked Master Gelatiere, Noel Brady, is celebrating the first anniversary of her San Clemente-based shop, Lucky Dog Gelato. From Monday, August 15 through Wednesday, August 31, Chef Noel will be featuring new, original recipes for her gelato, vegan gelato, and sorbetto, all of which she makes from scratch in small batches. These noteworthy anniversary offerings will be part of the selection of 12-18 gelato and sorbets Lucky Dog presents daily.Among Chef Noel’s never-been-offered gelato flavors will be Goat Cheese with fresh, organic Frog Hollow Farm peach swirl; and Passion Fruit Mascarpone featuring passion fruit from San Clemente’s own Blomma Flower Farm, each delivering an authentic Italian…